6 Places To Stay On Your Vancouver Getaway

By Julie Ovenell July 29, 2020

Way back in the Before Times—like, six whole months ago—the thought of a summer holiday at home probably held about as much appeal as trying to cut your own hair, or homeschooling a 10-year-old while practising tort law from the guest bedroom.

And the only bubbles that really mattered came in Champagne flutes and soaker tubs.

But hey. We’re an adaptable species. (Your bangs look great, by the way.) We washed, masked, distanced—and flattened BC’s COVID curve with enviable discipline. And if a getaway close to home is what the doctor has ordered for the rest of 2020, then we’re ready to take our medicine—especially when “home” looks this good.

The prescription calls for fewer faces, bigger spaces, and more time outside. It’s not every global city that can offer so much elbow room, but with a thousand acres of park right in the heart of downtown, plenty of public gardens and outdoor patios, and miles of nearby beaches and bike trails, it’s easy to keep your bubble intact in Vancouver.

And there’s no better time to take that bubble for an overnight at a city hotel, where prices are sweet and the perks are sweeter: dips in a pool, comfy beds with pretty views, menus from top-notch chefs, exciting attractions to enjoy, access to green spaces and proximity to nature (think: the seawall). It’s the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself or a loved one, just because. Plus, indoors, you’re guaranteed to encounter a whole new standard of cleanliness and care, thanks to increased safety and hygiene protocols.

So, whether you’re craving me-time or we-time, the city’s top hotels have some great suggestions for well-considered (and considerate) mini-breaks that promise to leave BC residents refreshed and resolved to keep up their healthy habits.

Here are just a few Vancouver getaway favourites—visit tourismvancouver.com/comeback/hotels and stayvancouverhotels.com to check out more great ideas for this year’s “It” vacation.

Habitat Island in False Creek with views of Yaletown and Cycling around Stanley Park, Grant Harder | The rooftop pool deck in downtown Vancouver, Tourism Vancouver / Fairmont Pacific Rim

Fairmont Pacific Rim Patio Pop-Up | Leila Kwok

Fairmont Pacific Rim

This Vancouver Fairmont is taking its luxe vibe outside: the new Pacific Rim Patio Pop-Up on the hotel’s front plaza is now open daily from noon to 8 p.m.—the perfect place to sip, nibble, and natter (at an appropriate social distance, of course). And with the recent reopening of the Willow Stream Spa, there’s a new deal in town: reserve a treatment from Monday through Wednesday until August 31, and you’ll also enjoy a complimentary lunch or dinner on the patio.

Safety Measures include:

Enhanced cleaning of rooms and shared spaces
Physically distant dining is now available at select restaurants
Pool deck capacity is in effect and reservations can be made upon check-in
Visit their safety website for more information

Book a Stay

Panoramic harbour views, Pan Pacific Vancouver

Pan Pacific Vancouver

It’s the easiest thing in the world to step out into the beauty of nature thanks to the Pan Pacific’s central waterfront location, but fair warning: you probably won’t get farther than the pool. Boasting unobstructed views of Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, and the North Shore Mountains, it’s an Instagram-worthy backdrop for some all-day welcome-to-the-good-life lounging. Consider ramping up the R&R with a visit to Spa Utopia, now open for most treatments with strict safety protocols in place.

Safety Measures include:

Enhanced cleaning of rooms and shared spaces
Supporting social distancing
Rooms are kept vacant multiple days prior to arrival
Additional training for staff
Visit their safety website for more information

Book a Stay

Poolside cabanas with a view | Tourism Vancouver / The Westin Bayshore

The Westin Bayshore

Make like Grace Kelly in It Takes a Thief and sip Champagne in one of the Bayshore’s beautiful poolside cabanas—open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (reservations are required and open to hotel guests only). Guests can also book a Liquid Yoga class on floating mats in the pool. Or, revel in the Art Deco glamour of H Tasting Lounge (open Monday to Thursday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and then don your best sunnies for a slow stroll (with ice cream) along the tree-lined Coal Harbour seawall. Or keep going all the way around Stanley Park if you just can’t stop admiring the views that made you fall in love with Vancouver in the first place.

Safety Measures include:

Enhanced cleaning of rooms and shared spaces
Rooms are kept vacant multiple days prior to arrival
Face coverings required in all public areas
Contactless service
Visit their safety website for more information

Book a Stay

Views from the Aqua Lounge | JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

Straddling two high-energy neighbourhoods—Yaletown and Gastown—this five-star luxury hotel is the right choice for a romantic night in with your bubble bestie. Indulge in the spa, where services range from personalized RMT massages to nail and body treatments, then order in a special room-service meal, or take a meal to go and picnic en plein air in nearby Coopers’ Park or tranquil Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

Safety Measures include:

Enhanced cleaning of rooms and shared spaces
Face coverings required in all public areas
Contactless service
Visit their safety website for more information

Book a Stay

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Tanya Goehring | False Creek passenger ferry by the Cambie Street Bridge, Nelson Mouellic | Viewing the river from great heights, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Views of Granville Island and False Creek from the Dockside Restaurant at Granville Island Hotel | @docksidevancouver

Granville Island Hotel

Beloved by tourists the world over, Granville Island has a little more room for locals at the moment. The Granville Island Hotel—with easy access to the market and artisan galleries, as well as the Aquabus and seawall—is the perfect launch pad for a foot-friendly city getaway. The Dockside Restaurant is open for inside and patio dining (from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Wednesdays to Mondays), and when you need a little snack, Lee’s Donuts in the market is worth lining up for (the line is now out of doors).

Safety Measures include:

Enhanced cleaning of rooms and shared spaces
Only registered hotel guests and restaurant patrons have access to the hotel
Paperless check-in
Individual air conditioning in each room to limit re-circulated air
Guest rooms have windows that open for fresh air
Complimentary masks
Hand sanitizer throughout the facility
Visit their safety website for more information

Book a Stay

Corner superior suite, Seaside Hotel North Vancouver

Seaside Hotel

Located just a short SeaBus ride away from downtown, the chic Seaside Hotel near North Vancouver’s scenic Shipyards District makes a great base for exploring the North Shore’s hiking and biking trails, or much-loved attractions such as the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain. The aptly named Provisions restaurant can set you up with a picnic lunch, and at the end of the day you can recover during happy hour on the patio—with buck-a-shuck oysters!—or a relaxing massage at the Waterfront Spa. This is also a prime location to explore The Brewery District, comprised of craft breweries, pubs, and eateries along Lonsdale, 1st Street, and Esplanade.

Safety Measures include:

Enhanced cleaning of rooms and shared spaces
Physical distancing throughout the hotel and at check-in
Additional employee training
Visit their safety website for more information

Book your perfect Vancouver getaway: visit tourismvancouver.com/comeback/hotels for great deals and ideas!

Note: Capilano Suspension Bridge is closed and will reopen in December 2020.

Book a Stay

Featured Image: Aerial views of Stanley Park | Tourism Vancouver / Albert Normandin

Start Planning

Know Before You Travel

What's open and how to travel in BC.

Travel Updates

BOOK YOUR TRIP

Find accommodations, experience providers, and special offers.

Book Now

BC Parks

Check provincial campgrounds and park closures.

Check for Updates

Adventure Smart

Always check trail conditions before you head out, and no matter what outdoor activity you are planning, be prepared.

Plan Your Route

Road Trip Travel

BCAA tips and everything you need before you set off on a BC road trip.

Learn More

Ways to Save

Partner offers and travel deals to save on your next BC getaway.

Learn more

MENTIONED IN THIS STORY

Spas & Wellness, Hotels, Accessibility

Fairmont Pacific Rim

Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver's definitive luxury hotel rated the Worlds Best Business Hotel by Cond Nast Traveler readers and the #1 City...

Phone: (604) 695-5300

View Listing

Hotels

Pan Pacific Vancouver

The Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel is luxuriously appointed with a wide selection of modern hotel amenities, with its waterfront restaurants and...

Phone: (604) 662-8111

View Listing

Hotels

The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver

Nestled on the shores of Coal Harbour in Vancouver, Canada, overlooking historic 1,000-acre Stanley Park via its picturesque seawall and the North...

Phone: (604) 682-3377

View Listing

Spas & Wellness, Hotels

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

Soaring high above the skyline in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Canada, with the majestic mountains of British Columbia's pristine coast as a...

View Listing

Hotels

Granville Island Hotel

The Granville Island Hotel, a boutique hotel, offers a one-of-a kind experience. With welcoming staff to greet, a restaurant and lounge to entice,...

Phone: (604) 683-7373

View Listing

Museums & Heritage Sites, Attractions, Accessibility

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, allow 2 - 3 hours for your visit to Vancouver's iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging 450 feet...

Phone: (604) 985-7474

View Listing

Spas & Wellness, Hotels, Accessibility

Fairmont Pacific Rim

Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver's definitive luxury hotel rated the Worlds Best Business Hotel by Cond Nast Traveler readers and the #1 City...

Phone: (604) 695-5300

View Listing

Hotels

Pan Pacific Vancouver

The Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel is luxuriously appointed with a wide selection of modern hotel amenities, with its waterfront restaurants and...

Phone: (604) 662-8111

View Listing

Hotels

The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver

Nestled on the shores of Coal Harbour in Vancouver, Canada, overlooking historic 1,000-acre Stanley Park via its picturesque seawall and the North...

Phone: (604) 682-3377

View Listing

Spas & Wellness, Hotels

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver

Soaring high above the skyline in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Canada, with the majestic mountains of British Columbia's pristine coast as a...

View Listing

Hotels

Granville Island Hotel

The Granville Island Hotel, a boutique hotel, offers a one-of-a kind experience. With welcoming staff to greet, a restaurant and lounge to entice,...

Phone: (604) 683-7373

View Listing

Museums & Heritage Sites, Attractions, Accessibility

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, allow 2 - 3 hours for your visit to Vancouver's iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging 450 feet...

Phone: (604) 985-7474

View Listing

WRITTEN BY: Julie Ovenell

Twitter: @julieoc
Instagram: julieoc

Julie has lived on one island or another for more than half her life and is delighted to now call Victoria, BC home. An award-winning writer, she has worked at CBC Radio, Western Living, and The Globe and Mail, and freelanced for publications such as Canadian Living, Canadian Geographic, National Post, Vancouver Sun, Ottawa Citizen, Georgia Straight, Report on Business, Edible Vancouver Island, and Style at Home.